What procedure is performed annually to screen for abnormalities, particularly in women?

The correct answer is a PAP smear, which is specifically designed to screen for cervical cancer and other abnormalities in the cervix. This procedure involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them for any pre-cancerous or cancerous changes, making it a crucial part of routine gynecological health care for women.

While colonoscopies and mammograms are important procedures for screening other types of cancer—colon cancer and breast cancer respectively—they are not focused on the cervical area. Colonoscopies are typically recommended for older adults to detect colon cancer or polyps, while mammograms are performed to check for breast cancer in women, usually starting at age 40 or 50, depending on health guidelines. Blood tests, on the other hand, can provide valuable information about various health conditions but are not primarily used for screening cervical abnormalities. Therefore, the PAP smear stands out as the specific annual procedure aimed at detecting cervical issues in women.